Dubai has urgent need to boost student accommodation, say experts
There is a growing demand for more and better student accommodation in Dubai , as the emirate works towards significantly increasing its international student body in line with government ambitions, experts have said. Dubai's Education 33 strategy sets a target of international students at 50 per cent of all private university enrolment by 2033, up about 15 per cent from today. As of the 2024-25…
Experts say Dubai urgently needs to expand student accommodation as the emirate aims to boost its international student population to 50 percent of private university enrolments by 2033. Currently, international students make up around 35 percent of Dubai's private higher education student body, with numbers set to rise further as more universities open new campuses.
Gisela Loehlein, academic director at De Montfort University Dubai, noted that students desire stronger student community options like shared flats and communal living. The gap in the market is particularly acute for affordable, conveniently located accommodations close to campuses, leading students to often opt for private rentals, which come with higher costs, variable prices, and limited support.
Commercial operators like Arada Hospitality and Entertainment's Nest aim to fill this void by providing quality, purpose-built student accommodation at mid-market prices. However, demand for gender-segregated environments and well-being support also remains high. Investors see this as an opportunity for diversification and long-term income, given the growing UAE higher education sector and the demand for professionally managed accommodations catering to student needs.
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